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Mardi Gras
People can, and often do, build shrines in their memory to cherished experiences in their lives. While some of these shrines are dedicated to memories of a purely personal nature, a few are related to community traditions that have grown to have especial meaning. The Mardi Gras is one such tradition, which many Americans value both for its historical significance as well as because it is a much looked forward to event of fun, color, and uninhibited celebration. Indeed, the Mardi Gras has grown to the stature of a form of American pilgrimage for many citizens and tourists alike.
What makes the Mardi Gras so singularly extraordinary among the tens of hundreds of festivals that are characterized by fun and gaiety? No doubt, a survey to determine the main factors behind the mystique and charisma of the Mardi Gras would throw up several rational and emotional descriptors such as the satirical procession of the Krewe du Vieux Carre; the carefully orchestrated theatrical parades by the Zulus and the Indians; the debutantes and the balls;...
But the fact is no amount of adjectives can really describe the Mardi Gras. For, to use a cliche, the Mardi Gras has simply got to be experienced to understand why it has become almost an annual American pilgrimage.
Fortunately, I belong to a family of people who have personally experienced the Mardi Gras festivities. Though, as I mentioned earlier, the use of adjectives usually fails to do justice to any attempt to recapture the Mardi Gras effect in words, I will nevertheless try to describe the impact the event had on me, personally. First and foremost, witnessing the Mardi Gras is an awesome spectacle reminiscent of the most elaborate stage settings in films such as Gone with the Wind or Cleopatra. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the Mardi Gras literally leaves its participating audience with a totally stage struck feeling. The Mardi Gras, however, does not let you stay stage struck for very long for one simply gets swept away on a tide of mysterious, masked male figures; alluring,…
The music was so intoxicating that it was impossible to stand still or to even walk without a rhythmic gait. The food smells were equally overpowering. Not only had all the local markets, bars and restaurants opened their doors and set tables and chairs in front, but hundreds of people were cooking on the streets as well. Barbecue grills sizzled with chicken, ribs, sausages, and pots of boiled crawfish, corn-on-
2009). One of the most well-known aspects of the modern Mardi Gras celebration is the throwing of beads and other trinkets from the parade krewes (groups and organizations that have floats in the parade) to the crowd of spectators. This was started in 1870 by the Twelfth Night krewe, and was quickly taken up by other groups, each of whom throws their own unique trinkets (Mardi Gras New Orleans 2009).
the nineteenth century saw the Mardi Gras celebration banned, but when it were restored in New Orleans in the 1820s it was a great equalizing force, allowing African-Americans -- man of them still slaves -- the freedom to drum and celebrate in ways they were unable to almost anywhere else or at any other time (Carnaval 2000). The celebrations are still a great equalizer, brining together people of all classes
Under French rule, masked balls and festivals were the predecessor of the festival we know today. After being banned when New Orleans came under Spanish rule, the masked festivals returned in 1827 (Davis, 1997). The festivals developed during the 19th century to include parades featuring masks, people in carriages and on horseback. To curb complaints about violence during the celebrations, the Comus organization was formed to impose a measure of
Aside from the Spanish conquerors, after American gained power on their land, there were also times when the Mardi Gras was banned by the U.S. Government. It was only because of Creoles that the ban on Mardi Gras celebration was lifted. In 1827, the Americans were once again able to revel days before the penitence of Lent. Festivities were once again gathered with people wearing masks, drinking, and enjoying the
Full efforts of the city's resources have begun to rebuild the image of Mardi Gras as the massive phenomenon it was. After a few years of smaller celebrations, more recent celebrations have returned to their outrageous roots, and tourists are once again flocking to the insane festivities offered in the crazy days of Mardi Gras. The 2009 celebration is looking to bring back the pre-Katrina glory, and is backed